I think that 9Cr18MoV is underrated. The composition is pretty close 440C, and with a good heat treatment, it is a competent steel for light to medium use on small and medium sized knifes. It also has a good stain resistance, so it doesnt need too much care. Its also easy enough to sharpen in the field. At this size of a knife at around 50 bucks, it is a good choice. But than again, i dont care too much for the steel if its only a small knife. AUS-8, 8Cr13MoV, 440B, 12C27, 420 HC, AN-58 - all these steels, that you find on budget knifes are fine for me. You just have to remember, that you get what you pay for.
Dont get me wrong, i would love me a Manix 2 Lightweight in S110V - the value at 114 dollars is just ridiculous - but for something i really dont need, it is too expensive.
DUDE! I have got to stop watching your reviews! Seriously, I watched your SOG Pillar review - bought the Pillar; I watched your Esee 5 review - bought the Esee 5; now your reviewing this awesome budget knife. After watching this vid, I did a little more digging, and yeah, it seems to be a really good, quality budget knife, and it’s aesthetically pleasing, too. Your costing me money!! LOL....ANOTHER great review. You’ve turned me onto a lot of good blades. Thanks, largely, to your reviews, I’ve gotten back into knife collecting, outdoor/ survival, and having a great time. Cheers! 🤟
Saw this online a couple of months ago. It was one of the few blades that is around the same cost in US as here in Ireland. A few weeks ago I saw it on your Instagram and was really looking forward to the review. As with all of your videos I was not disappointed with this one. Thanks for the great videos.
Just ordered one. Your comments about the handle are what sold me. I just want a non-scandi grind, with a concealed fulltang & synthetic handle. Didn't want to spend much, so this will hopefully hit the spot.
I was planning to buy an SCH42 as I own the SCH55, but this looks like a great knife to either add or as an alternative. I find blades of 4 inches and under are more useful for daily tasks and easier to carry. Based on the design and materials (thickness, steel, handle) this is a great knife for $50. I don't know this company, but will certainly consider them.
I don't recall that you mentioned where the notch on the back of the blade edge makes for easier sharpening of the full edge. I usually don't have too much trouble in that respect, but some people do and that would be a great selling point to this nice looking budget blade! Thanks for the review.
I am a massive fan of the fallkniven knives in particulier the S1 of which i have 4. That being said i picked up a steel will druid 215 which has a 15cm long, 4mm thickness 9cr18mov blade when i saw one rather than the 205 and i must say i love it, much better handle egos that the S1. I have now ordered 2 more 215's and also one of the 255 and 205 to try out. Thank you for this review i think you have found my new family issue knives. Take care and god bless.
All 3 have proven to be good knives none where hair popping sharp out of the box but a quick 5 minutes sorted that out. They have kept there edge very well no rolling or chipping, so looks like a fine job of heat treatment. In use the 205 is better than the F1 at least to me, the thinner blade and better handle shape are key to that IMHO. Each of the boxes had a ticket in it with there inspection date and all where from march 2015. The leather sheaths where all pretty much dried out and required a good soaking before form fitting to the knives then drying and oiling. The sheaths are ok but i have ordered repalcement spec op sheaths for all of them, as this the style i preffer, the leather sheaths will be for storage/spares. I have liked the 205 and 255 so much i have ordered more of each and a 210 to see if it compares to the falkniven S1, 1mm longer blade and 50grams heavier than the S1 buy the spec sheet. If that works out i'll get the 200 to compare to my the A2's. Quality and value as well as performance has been good and not even my teenage son and daughter have buggered them up and are happy with them. As is my wallet. Thanks again for the video and introducing the druid line to my family. Take care and God bless.
i cant agree that steel and blade type wont beat wood processing with the fallkniven s1x man i agree with you on every subject mater you probably have ever spoken about lol but i have to say nay on this one.
I have several Druids and for my XL size hands the handle is a bit short but the handle of the F1 is to thin. On the other hand it's nice and compact and light weight and I have no problem with the steel whatsoever. It has a good quality leather dangler sheath and it's about 1/3 of the price of a Fallkniven F1. So if I'm not in water a lot of the time (because of the leather sheath) I actually prefer this one.
I previously dismissed this knife, based on the steel. But your comparison to the Fallkniven F1 has turned me around on it. I really liked your review on the Darkangel. I'm still considering that knife, but also looking at the Steel Will Cager. It's currently $76 on Amazon. It has D2 steel, G10 handles and a Kydex sheath.
+gideonstactical I ordered the Work Sharp Guided Sharpening System a few days ago when the price dropped on Amazon. I got the upgrade kit as well. I had been considering it for awhile. I already had the Field Sharpener but also wanted a larger benchtop style system for ease of use with larger knives. Your review of that system was helpful in my decision. I'd love to have the Wicked Edge system, but that's well out of my budget and takes up considerable more space.
looks like you were struggling quite a bit to carve sticks and to make it feather, seems like it has a very obtuse edge to me. am i didn't or is it just my imagination?
The sheath alone is a $50 sheath. Ask a leather sheath maker to make you one just like it and you might hear $60+. Nothing wrong with 9cr18MoV. It has the same carbon content as 1095 CroVan (Kabar), and carbon is the main concern for edge retention and ease of sharpening (and it will not rust easily). That is a great buy.
concerning some past vids of yours... The Budget bag you recommend the Mora companion, if looking to upgrade from that to a $50 or less blade would you prefer the Steel Will Druid 205 or the Mora Bushcraft Black? The Bushcraft is longer blade but not full tang, steel comparison at this price point, and of course the stealth material, would not want leather with 1095 carbon of Mora.
Does full tang only mean the metal of the blade is continious to the end of the handle or does it also have to be both continious and full hight? I think if was full height then it would be exposed at the rear of the handle. Looks like it is only as tall as is what is actually exposed. Great looking sheath, too bad handles are not upgradeable. Maybe another clue that the tang is not full height. Thanks for the nice review either way.
It's up in price to almost seventy bucks now on Amazon, I went with electronics last month and dvds. But I'm still debating on this puppy, just wish it was at the fifty point still. thx & I just watched this video for like the third or fourth time. So don't give up, I'll probably end up getting it when I'm ahead on cash. My disability check each month only lets me go so far. thx again for another great video.
Its not full tang. "Full" means the entire tang is seen all around the handle scales.This one is a hidden tang. The tang very well could be substantial in size, but it is still hidden.
Difference in definition. We call this an exposed stick tang in Europe but the Americans even call a rat tail tang that goes all the way through the handle a full tang. Even the 'Kabar' USMC knife is a full tang in their opinion.
Interesting knife design. I have hard used the F1 for 6 years, in mustly cold weather. I get the isue whit the thin handel, but the F1 is made for survival in cold weather, whit thick Winther gloves, so it have to be thin, even if you got Big hands:)
have the druid 205 and love it. in Fla. no gloves needed. You are right about the handle..BUT... Better to pay 50 than 3x's that with all the considerations just mentioned.
Hello Aaron, could you please do a video on builiding functional outdoor gear systems? Or is there an existing one that I have missed? Love the knife. Would definitely get this over the F1
Did you mention anything about the edge geometry (went through the vid but didn't catch anything about that)? Looks like a micro-bevel, but at what angle?
well the steel is much better with vg10 than this that is similar to 440b but other than that geometry and ergonomic is more important so would rather as you say buy this at half the price if you like the design
Really enjoying your videos! Lots of very useful info for someone like me looking to upgrade my old collection of crappy blades and set up a good camping/utility/bushcrafting system from scratch. I saw your video on a budget system but I'm looking to go more mid grade than low budget. My wife got me a $15 Mora Robust as an everyday utility knife but I'm concerned about rust on the high carbon blades (it gets quite humid in CT). So, in looking for a stainless steel option how do you think this Druid 205 (or the 265) compares to the Mora Garberg? Is there another SS blade I should be looking at in this size and under $80-ish? Thinking of pairing with a small axe like the Husqvarna Multipurpose axe, maybe the cold steel trail boss (only $25) or a tomahawk like the CRKT Chogan. Thanks and God bless!
If price isn't a consideration, which knife would be a better small bushcraft knife ( carving, feather sticks etc )? The Esee laser strike or the Druid 205?
Based on price to value ratio alone? I generally only buy USA made knives. I’m curious about this one though. Can anyone chime in with other reasons to choose this over Esee Laser Strike? Thank you!
Gideonstactical,, Will you trust your life with this knife? Another word, will you consider this your goto Survival Knife? Tactical/Self Defense Knife?
Hello Paul, Most knives you can trust your life too. I would trust my life to a Mora Companion HD. This does not fit in my world of survival knife. From me a survival knife must have over 5" blade and weight over 10oz. Finally, this is not a tactical knife, not designed for that and doesn't have the traction for that. This is a small woods knife to be paired with a hatchet or larger blade.
Understood, I asked since it's length is under 4", which is legal in my state and thought it would make a decent truck/car knife to have , thanks again for your informative & unbias reviews and kind reply as usual :)
Great video as always, I actually do and probably will buy this knife once I use it. It just cracked me up when you said. "they had to cut cost somewhere, The steel" Pretty much the most important part to me. But then again I have a cold steel with the same steel and it superseded my expectations. And I've had that blade for 5 years now. As long as the heat treatment is consistent. that's all I care about
I've always thought that a Fallkniven A1 in 440C would be pretty great. You could get the cost below $70, and the tradeoff of more sharpening is balanced by very easy sharpening and reduced chance of chipping.
The f1 is a good knife but the handle is uncomfortably small. I would prefer a better handle like this even though the steel isn't as good. Especially at less than half the price. Another great video, thanks.
I got medium to little hands, do you think I will feel the same? Besides, I'm going to take a Fallkniven A1, and I want something smaller to pair with. Price regardless, which one would you recommend?
Hi Aaron I have another Chinese knife, around that size , a little bit cheaper ($40's) , that I would like your review. Aaron , believe me when I say this , ITS A MONSTER. REAL STEEL BUSHCRAFT II KNIFE IN D2 STEEL. Great review !!! God bless!!!
Paul Hughes but why? thats so dumb. d2 is much worse than 9cr18mov cuz of it's weakness and 1095 is a fucking carbon steel. and not even a good one at that its mediocre its like the middle fround
I'm sorry but you have no idea of steel, the 9cr18mov is the cheap chinese version of the 440, but without the Quality of it and D2 is a far better steel than this crap.
I have no clue why D2 is so popular. I have had naught but trouble with it personally. Been carrying my Benchmade 51 for a while, I constantly have to bring it to the stones because of how frequently the edge rolls. Not only that, but it is also way harder to sharpen than this knife's AUS-8, and the corrosion resistance is garbage. Absolutely hate D2. I would rather have 440c honestly, it never rolls like D2 does
Better ? I don't know, but as good as the Fallkniven, yes it is ! i think It is stupid to invest more expensively for the same performances ! And it is easier to sharpen than Fallkniven !
Irving Bearnas Exactly. While budget products are basically never better than their premium counterparts, when they offer the same or similar specs and performance for much less, it’s stupid to pay the extra if you don’t have to (unless you have money to burn and need “the best”).
I really dont see how this would be an alternative to a F1. One is a premium item built in Japan from the highest quality materials under extensive quality controls and each blade is carefully ground to a perfect convex edge. It's been used by professionals and entusiasts world wide for well over 20 years in its current version. The other is another massproduced 9cr knife made by some underpaid chinaman that put an assymetrical flatgrind on it with a beltgrinder. The grip might not suit everyone and it might not carve like a thinner edge, but I know which one of these two I would want at my belt when I have to rely on a knife to survive. Also there is abosolutly nothing low quality about neither of the Fällkniven F1's leather sheaths. The zytel option feels a bit flimsy but it wont break on you and its designed for very cold weather survival where a knife could freeze stuck to a leather sheath.
My guess is you handled one of the cheaper F1 or S1s for a short time using it for nothing special and then decided to go on youtube claiming to know a thing or two about Fällkniven knives. I doubt you could even tell a SK6 from a chineese Walmart bowie. The black handled basic knives are actually designed for professionals (meaning not you) , they were then popularized by tacticool fanboys that wants to play soldier, much like this ginger man child in the video. That same type of person then either loves or hates the knife based on holding for 5 minutes or less and cutting up sticks up in his backyard. They also have a range of high end kitchen knives and alot of expensive collectable knives for people that appreciate and are willing to pay for exclusivity and fine craftsmanship (again, probably not you). I've had a couple of these over the years, I'm not a huge fan but I've liked most them. You may call me fanboy for that but only one of us have any real experience with thier knifes.
GrumpLord Now its a bit awkward because I cant tell if your post is partially sincere but never mind. For the record, I'm not fanboy, altough I might have been at some point, that changed years ago. (I am however a bit of a sucker for cheap Ganzo folders and leatherman tools) I know alot about these knives because I used to collect them, I stopped doing that mainly because they dont make good on thier warranties and because I talked to Peter Hjortberger (former owner) and I was disgusted by his huge hybris. About the F1 I actually agree with you that it is not that good of a bushcraft knife but then again, its not intended to be. I did carry one for a while but I kept reaching for the same wood handled, high carbon Moras I've been carrying for around 25 years. I believe the only Fällkniven I currently own is a custom PXL (folding knife) that I use as a straight razor when I travel. Fällkniven does make some great knives and they range from prybars with an edge to €4000 works of usable art. They are actually made in Japan so you know whoever made it took pride in doing a good job. That said I'm hestitant to recommend anyone to buy them for the same reasons I dont collect them anymore. I barely remember this video, but it looks like hes comparing a chinese bushcraft knife to one of those small, edged prybars I mentioned. It seems irrelevant how they match up.
TheKimjoh560 first of all high quality my ass. the fallkniven zytel is utter shit, the handles are fucking rubber ffs. the only premium thing is the steel and the grind which is fantastic. even the leather sheaths lost most if not all of their retention after the first week. these druids may be lower quality and cheaper but value wise they beat the living shit out of the fallkniven. better designed oval handles, the steel is actually way better than u think. keeps a goof edge, easy to sharpen, and tough. well done saber grind. better leather sheath. is it better than fallkniven? hell effing no. is it a comparible alternative? u better bet your ass.
Say Heah Aaron, I like robust knives, So I got the Druid 240, I almost got the 6" version, But I have the Puma Bowie2 in that size, and it's a keeper. I made a nice carry with my Druid 240, sort of a Wannabe Nessmuk Carry, I teamed my Druid 240 with my Bokor Plus Tec-Tool 2.8in and added my Estwing Double Bit Hatchet and my Corona Curved Razor Teeth Saw. Yeah, For a reasonably priced set, I really like it, That 9Cr18MoV is a pretty good stainless steel, I think it's a little better than a 440b. because of the added Molebdum I hope I spelled that right, Anyhow Thanx You for introducing that line. ,, .
Dude, with proper heat treat, 9crMov and 440C and AUS8 are indistinguishable by the average user. I prefer 440C because it is American made but...six of one half a dozen of the other...heat treat is the deciding factor.
Robert Schmidt mate couldn't agree more..... I have been using 9cr18mov for a while now and it is as good as 440c in my experience....if it is heat treated properly it is good...period!
Say Heah Aaron, I'm so pleased with my Druid 240 that when I got back today, I didn't want to take it off and wanted to eat with it, But lucky we didn't have steak heh heh heh, I had some Pierogies and Stuffed Cbbage , heh, heh, heh. ,, .
I think that 9Cr18MoV is underrated. The composition is pretty close 440C, and with a good heat treatment, it is a competent steel for light to medium use on small and medium sized knifes. It also has a good stain resistance, so it doesnt need too much care. Its also easy enough to sharpen in the field.
At this size of a knife at around 50 bucks, it is a good choice.
But than again, i dont care too much for the steel if its only a small knife. AUS-8, 8Cr13MoV, 440B, 12C27, 420 HC, AN-58 - all these steels, that you find on budget knifes are fine for me. You just have to remember, that you get what you pay for.
Dont get me wrong, i would love me a Manix 2 Lightweight in S110V - the value at 114 dollars is just ridiculous - but for something i really dont need, it is too expensive.
AN-58 is a great steel .much better than 440hc or 420
You are 100% correct,that’s why Civivi has used it in so many of their knives,it’s even used in their Damascus
Still one of the best blade channels that I've run across!
Thanks so much for watching, means the world!
DUDE! I have got to stop watching your reviews! Seriously, I watched your SOG Pillar review - bought the Pillar; I watched your Esee 5 review - bought the Esee 5; now your reviewing this awesome budget knife. After watching this vid, I did a little more digging, and yeah, it seems to be a really good, quality budget knife, and it’s aesthetically pleasing, too.
Your costing me money!! LOL....ANOTHER great review. You’ve turned me onto a lot of good blades. Thanks, largely, to your reviews, I’ve gotten back into knife collecting, outdoor/ survival, and having a great time. Cheers! 🤟
Saw this online a couple of months ago. It was one of the few blades that is around the same cost in US as here in Ireland. A few weeks ago I saw it on your Instagram and was really looking forward to the review. As with all of your videos I was not disappointed with this one. Thanks for the great videos.
Has the 205 been replaced by the 265? I can not find the 205 anywhere, but the 265 matches it's specs exactly. Thanks
Just ordered one. Your comments about the handle are what sold me. I just want a non-scandi grind, with a concealed fulltang & synthetic handle. Didn't want to spend much, so this will hopefully hit the spot.
Short question: is the back of the edge sharp enough to work a firesteel?
Yep, I talk about it in the video.
I've had no problem with that...
I was planning to buy an SCH42 as I own the SCH55, but this looks like a great knife to either add or as an alternative. I find blades of 4 inches and under are more useful for daily tasks and easier to carry. Based on the design and materials (thickness, steel, handle) this is a great knife for $50. I don't know this company, but will certainly consider them.
I don't recall that you mentioned where the notch on the back of the blade edge makes for easier sharpening of the full edge. I usually don't have too much trouble in that respect, but some people do and that would be a great selling point to this nice looking budget blade! Thanks for the review.
I am a massive fan of the fallkniven knives in particulier the S1 of which i have 4. That being said i picked up a steel will druid 215 which has a 15cm long, 4mm thickness 9cr18mov blade when i saw one rather than the 205 and i must say i love it, much better handle egos that the S1. I have now ordered 2 more 215's and also one of the 255 and 205 to try out. Thank you for this review i think you have found my new family issue knives.
Take care and god bless.
Great feed back!
All 3 have proven to be good knives none where hair popping sharp out of the box but a quick 5 minutes sorted that out. They have kept there edge very well no rolling or chipping, so looks like a fine job of heat treatment. In use the 205 is better than the F1 at least to me, the thinner blade and better handle shape are key to that IMHO.
Each of the boxes had a ticket in it with there inspection date and all where from march 2015.
The leather sheaths where all pretty much dried out and required a good soaking before form fitting to the knives then drying and oiling. The sheaths are ok but i have ordered repalcement spec op sheaths for all of them, as this the style i preffer, the leather sheaths will be for storage/spares.
I have liked the 205 and 255 so much i have ordered more of each and a 210 to see if it compares to the falkniven S1, 1mm longer blade and 50grams heavier than the S1 buy the spec sheet. If that works out i'll get the 200 to compare to my the A2's.
Quality and value as well as performance has been good and not even my teenage son and daughter have buggered them up and are happy with them. As is my wallet.
Thanks again for the video and introducing the druid line to my family. Take care and God bless.
nice looking but ill stick to my Guardian 4, best 4inch fixed blade IMO. great review
I'm with you...Have loved this knife since day one!
that reminds me a lot like the Benchmade Rant Bowie. Blade shape is different but overall very reminiscent.
I remember that blade!
i cant agree that steel and blade type wont beat wood processing with the fallkniven s1x man i agree with you on every subject mater you probably have ever spoken about lol but i have to say nay on this one.
I have several Druids and for my XL size hands the handle is a bit short but the handle of the F1 is to thin. On the other hand it's nice and compact and light weight and I have no problem with the steel whatsoever. It has a good quality leather dangler sheath and it's about 1/3 of the price of a Fallkniven F1. So if I'm not in water a lot of the time (because of the leather sheath) I actually prefer this one.
Great review. Have to say the sheath alone looks worth the money. Love stainless for food prep and damp conditions.
Nice fixed blade and of course, another great review!
Thanks brother!
Got that knife. It's super good but not even close to my mora bushcraft black in the same price
Hey Adam, which Druid would you recommend for a deer hunting knife. I don't plan to bush craft with it unless I get lost in the wilderness.
I have bought this knife and used it and I wish I would have never got it. I would rather have a Mora or use my condor bushlore.
Great video. Can you do a review of the new ESEE 4HM? Apparently it's supposed to fix the problems people have with the normal 4.
I plan to!
Can't wait! Hopefully before I buy it haha
would it be a good military knife? then after the military for bushcraft and survival?
I would say general outdoor use first, military second or third
for military get the gerber strong arm. reasonable price and excellent quality you won't regret it. I was surprised with its quality
+kfsh man agreed Strongarm is great
I previously dismissed this knife, based on the steel. But your comparison to the Fallkniven F1 has turned me around on it. I really liked your review on the Darkangel. I'm still considering that knife, but also looking at the Steel Will Cager. It's currently $76 on Amazon. It has D2 steel, G10 handles and a Kydex sheath.
Ya looks sweet!
+gideonstactical I ordered the Work Sharp Guided Sharpening System a few days ago when the price dropped on Amazon. I got the upgrade kit as well. I had been considering it for awhile. I already had the Field Sharpener but also wanted a larger benchtop style system for ease of use with larger knives. Your review of that system was helpful in my decision. I'd love to have the Wicked Edge system, but that's well out of my budget and takes up considerable more space.
looks like you were struggling quite a bit to carve sticks and to make it feather, seems like it has a very obtuse edge to me. am i didn't or is it just my imagination?
it was that wood I was working with, it come good to go with a good edge geometry
The sheath alone is a $50 sheath. Ask a leather sheath maker to make you one just like it and you might hear $60+. Nothing wrong with 9cr18MoV. It has the same carbon content as 1095 CroVan (Kabar), and carbon is the main concern for edge retention and ease of sharpening (and it will not rust easily). That is a great buy.
concerning some past vids of yours...
The Budget bag you recommend the Mora companion, if looking to upgrade from that to a $50 or less blade would you prefer the Steel Will Druid 205 or the Mora Bushcraft Black? The Bushcraft is longer blade but not full tang, steel comparison at this price point, and of course the stealth material, would not want leather with 1095 carbon of Mora.
Mine first choice would be the Gerber Strongarm for that scenario then one do the 4.5" Druids don't remember it's around $55 or $60
+gideonstactical steel will 255 is the 1 youre thinking about same thickness as this knife but for 5$ more .5 inch more blade length
Does full tang only mean the metal of the blade is continious to the end of the handle or does it also have to be both continious and full hight? I think if was full height then it would be exposed at the rear of the handle. Looks like it is only as tall as is what is actually exposed. Great looking sheath, too bad handles are not upgradeable. Maybe another clue that the tang is not full height. Thanks for the nice review either way.
its hidden tang full tang, the metal runs all the way through but its not as wide as the handle and is encased in the tpr
+Keep Out OK, Thanks
Great video. I've been thinking about the Falkniven, but wasn't sure about the squared handle. I'll look into the Druid 205.
Nice, hope it helps with your choice.
Thanks for the review. I got the Druid 265 👍🏻
Looks like the same knife, what's the difference?
Skinny Moose they are the same but the 265 is a little longer
Just watched this video again as I'm sure I will do again in the future. I put it in my Amazon cart, but debating on it.
Haha do it, do it, do it!
It's up in price to almost seventy bucks now on Amazon, I went with electronics last month and dvds. But I'm still debating on this puppy, just wish it was at the fifty point still. thx & I just watched this video for like the third or fourth time. So don't give up, I'll probably end up getting it when I'm ahead on cash. My disability check each month only lets me go so far. thx again for another great video.
Check a few other designs. The 215 is $55 and just slightly bigger.
Its not full tang. "Full" means the entire tang is seen all around the handle scales.This one is a hidden tang. The tang very well could be substantial in size, but it is still hidden.
Rusty Gunn 7 thats a full "full" tang. Full tang just means it goes all the way to the back of the handle.
You're thinking of an exposed full tang. Mora Garberg is full tang, but it isnt exposed. Same as this.
Difference in definition. We call this an exposed stick tang in Europe but the Americans even call a rat tail tang that goes all the way through the handle a full tang. Even the 'Kabar' USMC knife is a full tang in their opinion.
looks like a must have knife. good all around size I'm thinking. Thanks much for your time sir !!
No problem!
Why not buy a helle ?
great review. I have a Benchmade with n690 steel. great match if Steel Will will do it. unbelievable sheath and knife combo for the money.
Interesting knife design. I have hard used the F1 for 6 years, in mustly cold weather. I get the isue whit the thin handel, but the F1 is made for survival in cold weather, whit thick Winther gloves, so it have to be thin, even if you got Big hands:)
have the druid 205 and love it. in Fla. no gloves needed. You are right about the handle..BUT... Better to pay 50 than 3x's that with all the considerations just mentioned.
Hello Aaron, could you please do a video on builiding functional outdoor gear systems? Or is there an existing one that I have missed? Love the knife. Would definitely get this over the F1
Good idea! It is in the works
Awesome! I'm looking forward to it
Did you mention anything about the edge geometry (went through the vid but didn't catch anything about that)? Looks like a micro-bevel, but at what angle?
It is secondary bevel. Not sure, I put my own 15 degree on soon after. It is sharp out the box.
well the steel is much better with vg10 than this that is similar to 440b but other than that geometry and ergonomic is more important so would rather as you say buy this at half the price if you like the design
For sure!
Nice!!! Hey Gideon would love to see the Steel Will Sentence 101 Tactical Knife to the blade booth camp!!!!
We will see.
Really enjoying your videos! Lots of very useful info for someone like me looking to upgrade my old collection of crappy blades and set up a good camping/utility/bushcrafting system from scratch.
I saw your video on a budget system but I'm looking to go more mid grade than low budget. My wife got me a $15 Mora Robust as an everyday utility knife but I'm concerned about rust on the high carbon blades (it gets quite humid in CT).
So, in looking for a stainless steel option how do you think this Druid 205 (or the 265) compares to the Mora Garberg? Is there another SS blade I should be looking at in this size and under $80-ish?
Thinking of pairing with a small axe like the Husqvarna Multipurpose axe, maybe the cold steel trail boss (only $25) or a tomahawk like the CRKT Chogan.
Thanks and God bless!
Is there a slight hollow grind to this blade or is it a flat grind? It's hard to tell from the video and in the images. Thanks!
It could be a hollow grind but it’s definitely not a full flat grind,it looks like it’s probably a Sabre grind with a swedge
I have to agree with ya ,, the one I won from you last year is kicking butt !! It's a great knife , thanks again for that
No problem!
Hi Aaron
How is so far the long term uses for this knife?????
God bless
Nice review of what looks to be a great, budget-friendly blade. Thanks for sharing.
If price isn't a consideration, which knife would be a better small bushcraft knife ( carving, feather sticks etc )? The Esee laser strike or the Druid 205?
The DRUID
Based on price to value ratio alone? I generally only buy USA made knives. I’m curious about this one though. Can anyone chime in with other reasons to choose this over Esee Laser Strike? Thank you!
I reviewed the Druid 240..great knife!
love it!Thanks for showing me these quality knives at a steal of a price!
Thanks for coming back and watching.
Might this work for beginning bushcrafting and smaller hands?
Good for most size hands and good as a camp knife.
Looks like s a solid option thanks for pointing it out, I like the looks of the Gekko 1513 in n690 as well.
Very true!
Gideonstactical,,
Will you trust your life with this knife? Another word, will you consider this your goto Survival Knife? Tactical/Self Defense Knife?
Hello Paul, Most knives you can trust your life too. I would trust my life to a Mora Companion HD. This does not fit in my world of survival knife. From me a survival knife must have over 5" blade and weight over 10oz. Finally, this is not a tactical knife, not designed for that and doesn't have the traction for that. This is a small woods knife to be paired with a hatchet or larger blade.
Understood, I asked since it's length is under 4", which is legal in my state and thought it would make a decent truck/car knife to have , thanks again for your informative & unbias reviews and kind reply as usual :)
Gerber uses this steel on their Ultimate Pro Knife. It's not a bad steel at all.
I love the sheath!
how does it compare to the master hunter?
How does this compare to the Cold Steel Master Hunter?
I like the MS better but this is great for the price.
Nice package, like the handle. Good vid!
Do you think you can use lanyard hole for a bow drill top support in this knife?
No I don't believe so
Great review, thanks Aaron!
am i wrong, i remember someone mentiond falkniven lanayard hole can be used for bow drill support? please advise
You will damage the handle doing that. Even if its just aesthetically.
TheKimjoh560 thank you
Who peels kiwis that way? You can cut them in half and eat them with a spoon, way easier and less waste. Also the knife pretty cool.
Le Lemon who holds a knife with their right hand?
Kiwi police over here
Do you know which country this blade was made?
china
Is it better than the s1?
Different size range, the S1 is a little more capable.
+gideonstactical ok thanks
Great video as always, I actually do and probably will buy this knife once I use it. It just cracked me up when you said. "they had to cut cost somewhere, The steel" Pretty much the most important part to me. But then again I have a cold steel with the same steel and it superseded my expectations. And I've had that blade for 5 years now. As long as the heat treatment is consistent. that's all I care about
I've always thought that a Fallkniven A1 in 440C would be pretty great. You could get the cost below $70, and the tradeoff of more sharpening is balanced by very easy sharpening and reduced chance of chipping.
I bought one for 31 euros (around 36 dollars) shipped. For the price it's not bad at all...
where did you get yours? i cannot find it in Europe...
Great video I'm looking into one now .
If only they made one with a full convex grind.. I wonder by how much that would increase the cost.
Not sure
please review the Morakniv Kansbol with the multimount sheath
I plan to
+gideonstactical Thank you
Very nice blade for sure.
The f1 is a good knife but the handle is uncomfortably small. I would prefer a better handle like this even though the steel isn't as good. Especially at less than half the price. Another great video, thanks.
Glad to help!
a
awesome knife all the way around compared the the f1. you are totally correct!
Isn't 9cr steel close to 440c steel?
Yes is more like 440B
ever checked out some ganzo knives
another great review. just ordered one for myself :)
Sweet!
got mine in today....lovin it!!!!!!!
Glad to hear it!
Why is this knife nolonger available??
No sure! I would look at any of their similar models.
+gideonstactical Thanks Aaron, I did find it at KnifeCenter.com.
Very good review TY
50 dollars also on knife center free shipping
Comparable with Esee 3? If not, why?
The FFG on the Esee will be a little better at slicing, but the ergos on the Druid are much better.
I got medium to little hands, do you think I will feel the same?
Besides, I'm going to take a Fallkniven A1, and I want something smaller to pair with. Price regardless, which one would you recommend?
Muh systemzzz of use
Hi Aaron
I have another Chinese knife, around that size , a little bit cheaper ($40's) , that I would like your review. Aaron , believe me when I say this , ITS A MONSTER.
REAL STEEL BUSHCRAFT II KNIFE IN D2 STEEL.
Great review !!! God bless!!!
I plan on looking at it soon
+gideonstactical You will see my brother!!!!
#gideonstatical hey I was wondering if you can make a light carry legal every day carry in ohio ?
wtf?
where can in EUrope ? thx
Thx for the info.
They could have used 1095 or D2 and still kept the price at $50.
Paul Hughes but why? thats so dumb. d2 is much worse than 9cr18mov cuz of it's weakness and 1095 is a fucking carbon steel. and not even a good one at that its mediocre its like the middle fround
Yes, the steel they used is better^^
I agree with you, this could hade Ben better in 1095
I'm sorry but you have no idea of steel, the 9cr18mov is the cheap chinese version of the 440, but without the Quality of it and D2 is a far better steel than this crap.
I have no clue why D2 is so popular. I have had naught but trouble with it personally. Been carrying my Benchmade 51 for a while, I constantly have to bring it to the stones because of how frequently the edge rolls. Not only that, but it is also way harder to sharpen than this knife's AUS-8, and the corrosion resistance is garbage. Absolutely hate D2. I would rather have 440c honestly, it never rolls like D2 does
It must be difficult to hike with two cameras
With two tripod
It's not easy
+gideonstactical haha
To answer the question in the title, no. It is not better than a Fallkniven.
Great review brotha
nice knife
Say Heah Aaron, Thanx You. I just got my Druid 240 and I'm Stoked, Aces, Aaron, and it's all because of you. ,, .
........gosh dang it.............I do NOT need more knives, but I need that knife. Lol
Oh you need this one!
Druid is an okay knife for the price, better than the Fallkniven? Laughed so hard almost wet myself.
Better ? I don't know, but as good as the Fallkniven, yes it is ! i think It is stupid to invest more expensively for the same performances ! And it is easier to sharpen than Fallkniven !
Irving Bearnas Exactly. While budget products are basically never better than their premium counterparts, when they offer the same or similar specs and performance for much less, it’s stupid to pay the extra if you don’t have to (unless you have money to burn and need “the best”).
I really dont see how this would be an alternative to a F1. One is a premium item built in Japan from the highest quality materials under extensive quality controls and each blade is carefully ground to a perfect convex edge. It's been used by professionals and entusiasts world wide for well over 20 years in its current version. The other is another massproduced 9cr knife made by some underpaid chinaman that put an assymetrical flatgrind on it with a beltgrinder.
The grip might not suit everyone and it might not carve like a thinner edge, but I know which one of these two I would want at my belt when I have to rely on a knife to survive.
Also there is abosolutly nothing low quality about neither of the Fällkniven F1's leather sheaths. The zytel option feels a bit flimsy but it wont break on you and its designed for very cold weather survival where a knife could freeze stuck to a leather sheath.
My guess is you handled one of the cheaper F1 or S1s for a short time using it for nothing special and then decided to go on youtube claiming to know a thing or two about Fällkniven knives. I doubt you could even tell a SK6 from a chineese Walmart bowie. The black handled basic knives are actually designed for professionals (meaning not you) , they were then popularized by tacticool fanboys that wants to play soldier, much like this ginger man child in the video. That same type of person then either loves or hates the knife based on holding for 5 minutes or less and cutting up sticks up in his backyard. They also have a range of high end kitchen knives and alot of expensive collectable knives for people that appreciate and are willing to pay for exclusivity and fine craftsmanship (again, probably not you). I've had a couple of these over the years, I'm not a huge fan but I've liked most them. You may call me fanboy for that but only one of us have any real experience with thier knifes.
GrumpLord Now its a bit awkward because I cant tell if your post is partially sincere but never mind. For the record, I'm not fanboy, altough I might have been at some point, that changed years ago. (I am however a bit of a sucker for cheap Ganzo folders and leatherman tools) I know alot about these knives because I used to collect them, I stopped doing that mainly because they dont make good on thier warranties and because I talked to Peter Hjortberger (former owner) and I was disgusted by his huge hybris. About the F1 I actually agree with you that it is not that good of a bushcraft knife but then again, its not intended to be. I did carry one for a while but I kept reaching for the same wood handled, high carbon Moras I've been carrying for around 25 years. I believe the only Fällkniven I currently own is a custom PXL (folding knife) that I use as a straight razor when I travel. Fällkniven does make some great knives and they range from prybars with an edge to €4000 works of usable art. They are actually made in Japan so you know whoever made it took pride in doing a good job. That said I'm hestitant to recommend anyone to buy them for the same reasons I dont collect them anymore. I barely remember this video, but it looks like hes comparing a chinese bushcraft knife to one of those small, edged prybars I mentioned. It seems irrelevant how they match up.
TheKimjoh560 first of all high quality my ass. the fallkniven zytel is utter shit, the handles are fucking rubber ffs. the only premium thing is the steel and the grind which is fantastic. even the leather sheaths lost most if not all of their retention after the first week.
these druids may be lower quality and cheaper but value wise they beat the living shit out of the fallkniven. better designed oval handles, the steel is actually way better than u think. keeps a goof edge, easy to sharpen, and tough. well done saber grind. better leather sheath. is it better than fallkniven? hell effing no. is it a comparible alternative? u better bet your ass.
TheKimjoh560 - I guess I understand. You're another one of the Fallkniven cult. Swell! :-P
Holy hell your telling people to hang themselves over a pointy bit of metal!
Say Heah Aaron, I like robust knives, So I got the Druid 240, I almost got the 6" version, But I have the Puma Bowie2 in that size, and it's a keeper. I made a nice carry with my Druid 240, sort of a Wannabe Nessmuk Carry, I teamed my Druid 240 with my Bokor Plus Tec-Tool 2.8in and added my Estwing Double Bit Hatchet and my Corona Curved Razor Teeth Saw. Yeah, For a reasonably priced set, I really like it, That 9Cr18MoV is a pretty good stainless steel, I think it's a little better than a 440b. because of the added Molebdum I hope I spelled that right, Anyhow Thanx You for introducing that line. ,, .
Good review I need to put this knife company on my radar. I would of liked to see a shot of the butt of the handle.
Dude, with proper heat treat, 9crMov and 440C and AUS8 are indistinguishable by the average user. I prefer 440C because it is American made but...six of one half a dozen of the other...heat treat is the deciding factor.
Robert Schmidt mate couldn't agree more..... I have been using 9cr18mov for a while now and it is as good as 440c in my experience....if it is heat treated properly it is good...period!
Cutting sticks isn’t a good way to test a knife. Try skinning and processing a deer, so we can see the actual edge retention and cutting ability
"4 inches is the minimum for me..."
You don't say. 🤔
but not lefthanded 0 out of 10
miner45 actually it is
Why can't you use it in your left hand ?
really doesn't get any better for 50$
Say Heah Aaron, I'm so pleased with my Druid 240 that when I got back today, I didn't want to take it off and wanted to eat with it, But lucky we didn't have steak heh heh heh, I had some Pierogies and Stuffed Cbbage , heh, heh, heh. ,, .
No. it is not better than a fallkniven, never.